For Becky Crackel, dance is more than choreography—it’s a lifelong passion turned into a fulfilling career. Over the past 35 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching dance, cultivating talent, and building a legacy her students can proudly carry forward.
No step-ball-change could hold Mrs. Crackel back when the phone rang, calling her back home to her alma mater, New Caney High School, where she has proudly served as NCHS Dance Educator and Director for the past 31 years. Watching her Bluebonnets perform routines like “The Time Warp” during Friday night halftime shows, she reflects on her time as a student leader in the same program. She worked her way up the ranks, serving as First Lieutenant her junior year and Colonel her senior year. Her love for dance is rooted deeply in the heart of Texas, and that passion shines in every aspect of her work.
During her tenure, Mrs. Crackel has elevated the Bluebonnets into an award-winning program. As Department Chair for Fine Arts, she has been honored with the Curtain Call Outstanding Director Award, Teacher of the Month, TDEA Distinguished Service Award, and a nomination for Teacher of the Year. Despite these accolades, her greatest pride comes from the impact she has on her students.
Over their 53-year history, the Bluebonnets have made the world their stage. Behind each performance is a tale of commitment, passion, and teamwork. During her tenure at NCHS, Mrs. Crackel has poured her blood, sweat, and tears into building a program that will pique students' interest in joining the dance programs the school offers. As the school grew, the dance teams expanded as well, creating challenges with limited practice space. Mrs. Crackel prayed and got to work, serving on a bond committee to help provide an adequate space for practice. In 2014, Mrs. Crackel sashayed across the new dance gym during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, proud to now have the perfect place for her students to dance.
As the state flower blooms, so do the NCHS Bluebonnets and Breakdancers with hundreds of combined accolades and awards from solo and team performances over the years, continuing their legacy of blending tradition with new milestones. Outside of the dance gym, and beyond the football field, the dancers travel to compete, as well as perform at events such as Super Bowl XXXVIII Pre-game with Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, and Aerosmith, halftime for the Houston Rockets, and even Super Bowl LI Halftime with Lady Gaga.
Her personal philosophy, “Do what you love and love what you do,” is the heartbeat of her teaching. Beyond the trophies and titles, her greatest joy comes from hearing how her mentorship has shaped her students’ lives. Many have joined college dance teams, pursued professional careers, or become educators themselves. For Mrs. Crackel, their success as respectful, productive adults is her ultimate reward.
Although the moves may change over the years, the bonds created among the team remain unbreakable as they dance through life’s ups and downs together. Through dedication and passion, Mrs. Crackel continues to leave an unforgettable mark on New Caney High School. Her legacy will be one of inspiration, excellence, and unwavering love for the art of dance.
“Do what you love and love what you do,” is the heartbeat of her teaching.
Behind each performance is a tale of commitment, passion, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to excellence."